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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AMORETTI: 25 by EDMUND SPENSER

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW LONG SHALL THIS LIKE-DYING LIFE ENDURE
Last Line: THAT GREATER MEEDE AT LAST MAY TURNE TO MEE.
Subject(s): CRUELTY;

How long shall this lyke dying lyfe endure,
And know no end of her owne mysery,
But wast and weare away in termes unsure,
Twixt feare and hope depending doubtfully?
Yet better were attonce to let me die,
And shew the last ensample of your pride,
Then to torment me thus with cruelty,
To prove your powre, which I too wel have tride.
But yet if in your hardned brest ye hide
A close intent at last to shew me grace,
Then all the woes and wrecks which I abide
As meanes of blisse I gladly wil embrace,
And wish that more and greater they might be,
That greater meede at last may turne to mee.



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